Silver Fir Campground

Nestled along the pristine North Fork Nooksack River in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Silver Fir Campground offers an intimate base camp for exploring some of Washington's most dramatic mountain scenery. The campground sits approximately 45 miles east of Bellingham along the Mt. Baker Highway, where the imposing silhouette of 10,781-foot Mt. Baker—an active, glacier-draped volcano—dominates the skyline on clear days. This smaller, more secluded campground provides a quieter alternative to busier recreation areas while delivering easy access to the rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and old-growth forests that define the North Cascades region. Wildlife sightings are common here, from mountain goats navigating rocky slopes above treeline to black bears foraging through the forest and migratory birds moving through the varied ecosystems. Silver Fir accommodates both tent campers and RV users, though you won't find electrical hookups here—this is a more rustic experience suited to self-sufficient campers. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill, and the campground provides vault toilets and drinking water. A group picnic shelter that accommodates up to 25 people is also available for larger gatherings. The nearest supplies, including groceries and firewood, are about 20 minutes away in the community of Glacier, so plan accordingly and arrive well-stocked. The real draw here is the exceptional access to hiking and wilderness exploration. Hannegan Pass Road, less than a mile from the campground, serves as a gateway to spectacular trails penetrating deep into the Mt. Baker Wilderness and North Cascades National Park. Backpackers will find multi-day routes leading to remote alpine basins, while day hikers can explore everything from riverside strolls to challenging climbs. The nearby Heather Meadows area along the upper Mt. Baker Scenic Byway offers additional hiking, photography opportunities, and picnicking among subalpine wildflower meadows. Climbers will find numerous technical routes on surrounding peaks. Silver Fir operates primarily during summer and early fall when the Mt. Baker Highway is snow-free and trails are accessible. In winter, the campground transforms into a non-motorized Sno-Park for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Keep in mind that once your reservation begins, modifications cannot be made through Recreation.gov or the campground manager, so plan your dates carefully. This campground works best for adventurous campers seeking a launching point for wilderness exploration rather than a destination with extensive on-site amenities.

Silver Fir Campground is a smaller, more primitive campground. It accommodates both tent and RV camping and offers a group picnic shelter for up to 25 people.